A TAXI driver was punched in the face after pulling up outside a house in Mitton View, Clitheroe, to collect a fare.

Blackburn magistrates heard the driver set off with blood streaming into his eyes and had to stop to call the police on his mobile phone.

Sean Thompson, 24, of Mitton View, admitted assault and was fined £100 with £200 compensation and £50 costs. Thompson had been out with his partner while his mother and stepfather had been baby-sitting. He accepted that he had been drinking heavily and when the taxi arrived to take them home, he remembered arguing over the fare.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Thompson accepted throwing a single punch but he could not explain why.

His client was a man of previous good character who had always worked since leaving school and was highly regarded by his employer.

"Since the incident, at the beginning of the month, he has written to the driver and the proprietor of Central Taxis and apologised for the incident," said Mr Blacklidge.

"I think that speaks volumes for the type of person you are dealing with. There is no suggestion of further offending.